Starring Amazon Fresh, Getir, and Waitrose: the biggest retail technology news stories of the week
It’s Friday, the weekend is almost upon us, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful week for the retail systems space. Here's your briefing on the most important stories from the past five days, including bp, RELEX Solutions, refurbed, Asda, Just Eat, LEGO Group, and the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards.
1. It’s here! RTIH announces shortlist for 2023 omnichannel retail technology innovation awards
We’re pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards, sponsored by PMC, FreedomPay, Worldpay from FIS, CADS, 3D Cloud by Marxent, Goodays, and Vista Technology Support.
We received a record number of submissions this year and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, which will take place at the Barbican Centre in central London.
The event will be held on Wednesday, 29th November, maintaining its popular evening format, with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a Christmas themed three course meal, and awards presentations in the Garden Room.
Congratulations to all those who made the shortlist.
To book your place at the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony on Wednesday, 29th November, click here.
2. Waitrose gets personal as it overhauls online advertising in partnership with retail media tech firm CitrusAd
Waitrose has partnered with CitrusAd to roll-out relevant, targeted advertising across its online site.
The retailer, which is part of the John Lewis Partnership, says that its suppliers can now maximise their online presence through sponsored search and category product ads, as well as sponsored offers and checkout ad campaigns.
The move replaces static advertising - where all customers were served the same adverts - with a targeted model, in which shoppers are given updates from brands based on the product searches or areas they browse online.
It also gives suppliers the flexibility to change or boost their campaigns, rather than being tied into long-term fixed tenancy slots, allowing them to take advantage of events and seasonal changes.
With access to performance-based metrics and reporting, brands can measure the impact of their adverts, and return on ad spend (ROAS) down to the individual product level and by search term.
3. refurbed closes $57 million Series C round led by Evli Growth Partners, C4 Ventures and Speedinvest
refurbed, a marketplace for refurbished and upgraded electronics, has announced a $57 million Series C investment led by existing backers Evli, C4 and Speedinvest, with participation from All Iron and several newcomers.
This brings the total investment since the company's inception in 2017 to $130 million, following seeding in 2018 at just under $2 million, a Series A in 2020 ($17 million), and Series B in 2021 ($54 million).
“This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for us, but also signals the wider market's shift towards embracing sustainability in consumer choices,” says Peter Windischhofer, cC-founder and CEO at refurbed.
“Our scalable business model enables us to both grow profitably and make consumption more sustainable. A win-win for us and our planet.”
4. Just Eat agrees tie up with Asda and the LEGO Group to test out delivery of toys across the UK
Just Eat has announced a new initiative with Asda and the LEGO Group powered by the platform’s existing tie-up with the grocery giant.
From 8th November, customers will be able to purchase LEGO items via the Just Eat platform as part of a UK wide trial.
The items will initially be available to buy at five Asda stores in Hartlepool, Cwmbran, Dundee Milton, Watford and Hunts Cross. Customers will be able to choose from the LEGO Group’s portfolio of toys, including fan favourite products from the Harry Potter, Disney, and Marvel collections.
To mark the launch, Just Eat is offering up to 50% off selected LEGO toys, until 19th November.
Over the past year, the company has expanded its core restaurant offering with a number of grocery partnerships, including with Asda, Sainsbury’s, Iceland and the Co-op in the UK.
5. bp invests in RELEX Solutions digital supply chain tech to enhance retail customer experience
bp has inked an agreement with RELEX Solutions to implement its forecasting and replenishment capabilities in its UK convenience retail business.
With over half of customers to bp’s UK retail stores now visiting on a food only basis, rather than for fuel only or food and fuel, product availability is key.
The RELEX platform leverages AI to provide forecasting and analytics to anticipate and meet fluctuations in customer demand and will support supply chain planning across bp’s 300 company owned retail sites and Wild Bean Cafes in the UK.
6. Rapid grocery delivery specialist Getir acquires New York-based FreshDirect from Ahold Delhaize USA.
Getir, a Turkish ultrafast grocery delivery firm, is to acquire New York City-based online grocery company FreshDirect from Ahold Delhaize USA.
The deal is expected to close within this month. Financial terms were not disclosed.
According to a Getir press release: “The acquisition will lead to significant synergies between Getir and FreshDirect and emphasises our strategic ambitions to grow in the United States.”
'“FreshDirect will leverage our technology and operational footprint to offer faster services to its loyal customer base, which will also benefit from easy access to our quick convenience service.”
FreshDirect will, meanwhile, enable Getir to increase the quality and breadth of its product range, especially regarding fresh products, as it looks to make its offering attractive to New York customers.
Following the closing of the acquisition, FreshDirect will retain its brand name and continue to operate out of its facility in the Bronx, New York City.
7. Interview: Amazon Fresh UK Director Matt Birch talks new Notting Hill Gate convenience store and biggest Christmas yet
Amazon Fresh UK Director Matt Birch sits down with Liz Morrell to discuss stores, Christmas ranges, and Amazon’s goal to “build a best-in-class grocery experience for customers where we are the first choice, as we are in many other areas, for selection, value and convenience”.
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